1251

on the hallmark card
I scrawled I was a sucker
and a stray dog without humor
just circling you
you took a marker and
scratched it all out

well I don’t blame you

I’ve been a portrait of a
despondent writer
I’ve been a silhouette of an artist
stark in relief
but blurry under the lamp
I’ve been a boy in a tin hat
stubborn in thunderstorms
all bravado and sorrow
I’ve been a confused trapper
on the green trails I once
stripped of fruit and vines
I’ve been a moonlight lover
begging for passion after all
the breathless advances dried up
I’ve been a game show contestant
asking for recognition with a
thick veil and a knowing grin
teasing and spiteful
feigning ignorance when the
questions inevitably came
as to who I wanted to be

and for the hundredth time
I want to be yours
and even if there is a next time
I want to be yours
and even if there is a time after
I want to be yours
and after
and after
and after
and after
and after